School Parents Are More Likely Than Charter and Private School Parents to Be Satisfied with the Communication Around Reopening from Schools

EdChoice

GEN POP NATIONAL POLLING PRESENTATION

September 2020 EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER Most parents are at least somewhat comfortable sending their children to school, but POLLING PRESENTATION they still prefer virtual learning. Parents generally feel prepared to facilitate virtual learning, especially parents of younger students. Public school parents are more likely than charter and private school parents to be satisfied with the communication around reopening from schools.

A slight majority of parents have either joined a learning pod or are looking to form one. Those with younger children, higher incomes, and living in urban areas are more likely to be participating in one. Those that are interested or participating in pods think they will help students stay up to speed and provide a safe environment for socialization. While, those against learning pods think they are unsafe, unnecessary, or too expensive.

Over half of school parents are at least somewhat likely to seek out tutoring for their child/children outside of school hours this year. Parents that are very likely to seek out tutoring for their child/children have younger children, higher incomes and are living in urban Key Points areas.

4 School parents' favorability of homeschooling has remained high since the coronavirus outbreak began in March. While many students switched from home school to other school types for this upcoming school year, homeschooling still saw an increase in enrollment. Americans school type preferences have shifted since the outbreak to be more in favor of homeschooling when given the option, especially if cost and transportation are not factors.

5 Americans remain more likely to support school choice policies, including charter schools, once given information, especially non-parents and independents. However, school preferences continue to lean towards private and public-school options.

Methodology (also see slides 54-55) This poll was conducted from September 11-17, 2020, among a national sample of 2,200 adults and an oversample of 700 school S L I D E / 2 parents. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults and school parents based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment, and region. NOTE: the school parent oversample data is not included in this month’s dashboard website data EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

COVID-19 and Schooling

2 Opinions about K-12 Education Contents

Awareness and Favorability of 3 School Choice Policies

4 Survey Profile and Demographics

S L I D E / 3 A plurality of adults continue to feel most institutions’ responses to the EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER coronavirus outbreak have been average. POLLING PRESENTATION

Based on what you have seen, read, or heard so far, how would you rate the following institutions on their response to the coronavirus (COVID- 19) outbreak? All Adults Excellent Above Average Average Below Average Poor Don't Know/ No Opinion

Local, small businesses 16% 28% 33% 10% 4% 9%

State government 16% 21% 27% 14% 15% 7% COVID-19 Response Local news media/organizations 15% 22% 31% 11% 13% 9%

Rating School districts 15% 23% 31% 13% 9% 9%

Schools 15% 23% 31% 14% 9% 10%

National news media organizations 14% 19% 29% 12% 17% 8%

Local government 14% 22% 33% 12% 11% 8%

Federal government 13% 17% 23% 16% 24% 7%

S L I D E / 4 National, multi-national corporations 11% 17% 34% 14% 10% 13% Overall disruption caused by the outbreak has continued to decline since its

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER peak in April, most notably for disruption to the community. POLLING PRESENTATION

How disruptive has the coronavirus (also called COVID-19) been on each of the following? All Adults % Very Disruptive

Your Community Your Family/Household Routine Your Personal Routine 60% 56%

50% 48% 48% 45% COVID-19 44% 38% 38% Disruption 40% 42% 35% 37% 36% 34% 32% 32% 30% 32% 32% 30% 29% 30% 30% 28%

20%

10%

0% S L I D E / 5 March April May June July August September School parents continue to be most concerned with their child/children getting

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER exposed to the coronavirus at school and their child/children missing POLLING PRESENTATION instruction time.

Thinking about the coronavirus (COVID-19), how concerned are you about each of the following? School Parents

Concerned (Very Concerned + Somewhat Concerned) Not Concerned (Not That Concerned + Not At All Concerned)

76% 74% -2 vs. -1 August vs. 66% August -3 61% vs. 57% COVID-19 August +0 vs. +0 53% August vs. -4 Concerns August vs. 43% August 36% 32% 29% 22% 19%

My child getting exposed My child missing Cancellation of after Missing work if my Making up for free or Explaining coronavirus to coronavirus at school instruction time school activities or other child's school is closed reduced meals at home to my child S L I D E / 6 programs run through the school Note: The school parent subsample is weighted based on ACS benchmarks, starting in September 2020 A majority of school parents are at least somewhat comfortable with their

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER children returning to school. POLLING PRESENTATION

Based on what you have seen, read, or heard about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak so far, how comfortable are you with your child/children returning to school right now? School Parents

Don’t Know / Very Comfortable Somewhat Comfortable Not That Comfortable Comfort with Not At All Comfortable No Opinion Children Returning to

School 28% 30% 18% 20% 4%

S L I D E / 7 School parents continue to have a more favorable view of homeschooling since EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER the coronavirus outbreak began in March… POLLING PRESENTATION

How have your opinions on homeschooling changed as a result of the coronavirus? School Parents Much More Somewhat More Somewhat Less Much Less Don't Know/ Favorable Favorable Favorable Favorable No Opinion

14% COVID-19 5% Impact on 36% % Much More Favorable

43% Homeschooling 50% 40% 36% 40% 26% 28% 26% 30% 25% 11% 20% 10% 0% Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept.

34% S L I D E / 8

Note: The school parent subsample is weighted based on ACS benchmarks, starting in September 2020 …And many say they’re likely to homeschool their children either full-time or part-time this school year as a result of the pandemic. Based on percentages, EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION parents are likely conflating remote learning (via school) with conventional homeschooling. 'Homeschooling' is the education of a child mainly at home other than a school. It is usually conducted by a parent, tutor, or online teacher. Parents or guardians' control and direct the curriculum, content, and subject matter. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, how likely are you to homeschool your child/children on your own this current school year, either part-time or full-time? School Parents Very Likely Somewhat Likely

Full Time 45% 9% 54% Likelihood of Homeschooling

Part Time 20% 7% 27%

Not At All Likely 19%

S L I D E / 9 If given the option, most school parents would opt for remote learning over their EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER children going physically back to school. POLLING PRESENTATION

In the current school year, if your school or school district allows for the option of virtual learning instead of physically going back to school, how likely would you be to enroll your child in virtual/remote learning provided by the school or district? School Parents Very Likely Somewhat Likely Not That Likely Not At All Likely Don't Know/ No Opinion

8% Likelihood of Remote

Learning 12% Enrollment 47%

26%

S L I D E / 10 Most school parents continue to feel at least somewhat prepared to facilitate

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER remote learning, especially those with children in grades K-4. POLLING PRESENTATION

How prepared do you feel to facilitate online instruction (also known as virtual learning or remote learning)?

Very prepared Somewhat prepared Not too prepared Not at all prepared Don't know/No opinion

Total School Parents 39% 35% 14% 7% 4%

Remote Learning Preparedness K-4 Parents 43% 34% 13% 5% 5%

5-8 Parents 35% 39% 13% 8% 4%

9-12 Parents 39% 35% 16% 6% 5%

S L I D E / 11 School parents continue to be most supportive of school being conducted

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER completely online for the current school year. POLLING PRESENTATION

Do you support or oppose the following school approaches to educating K-12 students in the current school year?

School Parents Strongly Support Somewhat Support Somewhat Oppose Strongly Oppose Don't Know / No Opinion

Completely online 38% 31% 14% 10% 6% Online, In- person, or

Hybrid Completely in-person with required safety measures (for example: 31% 30% 14% 18% 6% Schooling masks, social distancing) Support

Completely in-person with optional safety measures (for example: 28% 28% 15% 22% 6% masks, social distancing)

Mix of in-person and online 26% 39% 16% 13% 7%

S L I D E / 12 The majority of parents continue to prefer that schools provide multiple learning

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER options. POLLING PRESENTATION

And, do you think schools should offer one approach to educating K-12 students in the fall or provide multiple learning options? School Parents Offer One Approach Provide Multiple Learning Options Don't Know / No Opinion

11% One or Multiple 24% Learning Options Preference

65% S L I D E / 13 School parents give their schools mixed ratings when it comes their

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER communications about education plans for this fall. POLLING PRESENTATION

How satisfied or unsatisfied are you with the communication from your child's/children's school related to the coronavirus outbreak and education plans for the fall?

School Parents Excellent Above Average Average Below Average Poor Don't Know/ No Opinion

Reopening plan 28% 22% 27% 10% 8% 5%

Satisfaction Access to teachers 27% 23% 31% 10% 5% 4% with School Quality of instruction 26% 24% 28% 10% 7% 5% Communication

Technology, logistics of remote learning 26% 25% 28% 9% 6% 6%

Communication from teachers 25% 27% 25% 13% 5% 5%

Transportation logistics 22% 21% 26% 11% 6% 15%

Communication from leadership 20% 29% 28% 11% 7% 5% S L I D E / 14 Different school types have excelled at various types of communications related

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER to the coronavirus outbreak. POLLING PRESENTATION

How satisfied or unsatisfied are you with the communication from your child's/children's school related to the coronavirus outbreak and education plans for the fall? % Excellent + Above Average Private School Regular Public School Charter School (Religious, Parochial + (Inside + Outside School (or Public Charter Non-Religious) District) School)

Reopening plan

Access to teachers Satisfaction with School Quality of instruction Communication Technology, logistics of remote learning

Communication from teachers

Transportation logistics

Communication from leadership

S L I D E / 15 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Most parents continue to think that all proposed safety measures will be at least

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER somewhat helpful and believe increased disinfection of facilities will be most POLLING PRESENTATION helpful.

How helpful do you think the following measures would be in allowing students to return to school safely? School Parents Very Helpful Total Helpful (very + somewhat helpful)

Increased disinfection and cleaning of facilities 54% 83%

Upgraded air filtration systems 49% 82%

Capacity limits on classrooms 47% 80%

School Mandatory mask wearing Safety for students and staff 45% 77% Measures Desks placed 6 feet apart 45% 77% Temperature checks 49% 77%

Alternating schedules to reduce the number of students in the building 45% 76%

Discourage sharing objects 43% 76%

Capacity limits on buses 44% 76%

Eliminate communal meals in cafeterias and dining halls 40% 73%

Plexiglass dividers between desks 39% 72%

Eliminate recess 31% 60% S L I D E / 16 A plurality of Americans support additional school funding regardless of the

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER school’s approach to COVID-19. POLLING PRESENTATION

Which of the following statements regarding school funding in response to the pandemic do you most agree with, even if none are exactly right?

All Adults School Parents Non-Parents

School districts should receive additional funding whether they teach students in person or remotely 31% 30% 30% COVID- School districts should receive additional funding only if they teach students in person and follow the 16% 19% 14% Related health and safety guidelines set by the CDC School Funding School funding should remain the same 16% 16% 16%

Support School districts should receive less funding if they only teach students remotely 10% 10% 10%

School districts should receive additional funding only if they teach students in person, but they should not be required to following the health and 9% 14% 7% safety guidelines set by the CDC

Don't know / No opinion 13% 7% 19%

None of the above 4% 3% 5% S L I D E / 17 K-4 parents feel their child/children’s learning and development is better since the start of the pandemic. 9-12 parents are more likely to feel their child/children EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION are doing about the same in those areas.

How would you compare your child's/children's progress on the following right now, compared to just before the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak?

Much Better Somewhat Better About The Same Somewhat Worse Much Worse

Academic Learning Total School Parents 22% 27% 20% 22% 8%

K-4 Parents 26% 30% 14% 23% 7% COVID-19 5-8 Parents 21% 25% 22% 22% 10% Impact on 9-12 Parents 21% 24% 28% 19% 8% Learning and Social Development Development Total School Parents 21% 24% 20% 24% 10% K-4 Parents 26% 26% 15% 24% 10%

5-8 Parents 21% 23% 21% 24% 10%

9-12 Parents 18% 22% 28% 22% 10%

Emotional Development Total School Parents 22% 25% 21% 23% 9%

K-4 Parents 26% 28% 17% 21% 7%

5-8 Parents 22% 22% 21% 25% 10%

S L I D E / 18 9-12 Parents 19% 23% 28% 23% 7% K-4 parents are most likely to have switched their child/children’s school type

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER for this school year than those with older children. POLLING PRESENTATION

Total School Parents K-4 Parents 5-8 Parents 9-12 Parents School Type Shift 21% 26% 17% 16%

S L I D E / 19 Since February of this year, there has been a slight uptick in children being

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER enrolled in homeschooling and charter schools. There has been a slight POLLING PRESENTATION decrease in private and public district school enrollment.

Public Charter Public Charter School School 16% 20% School Type Home School 15% Home School Shift 17% Private School (Religious, Parochial + Private School Non-Religious) (Religious, Parochial + 24% Non-Religious) 22%

Public District Public District School School 44% 41%

S L I D E / 20

Note: New pilot question added in August 2020. Reported school types in February 2020 reflect higher than typical national enrollment patterns for private schools, charter schools, and homeschooling. Homeschoolers appear most likely to say their children switched to a different

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER school type this fall. POLLING PRESENTATION

Please tell us the grade level for each of your children; what kind of school each child will attend this new school year; and what kind of school each child was being educated in February of this year, before any school closures. School Parents School Type Attended School Type Attending in Feb. 2020 This New Year FROM TO % Of Students, Reported by Parents Home School 13% Private School Home School 9% Public Charter School Home School 19% Public District School School Type Private School 11% Home School Private School 2% Public Charter School Shift among those… 21% Private School 7% Public District School of children switched school types Public Charter School 9% Home School Public Charter School 7% Private School Public Charter School 6% Public District School Public District School 7% Home School Public District School 7% Private School Public District School 4% Public Charter School

S L I D E / 21 School parents with high incomes ($75k+), younger children (grades K-4), and

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER live in urban areas are most likely to be participating in a pod for this school POLLING PRESENTATION year.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, are you planning to form a 'pod' with other families? School Parents % Currently Participating In A Pod Demographic % Total School Parents %

Yes, we’re currently K-4 Parents participating in a ‘pod’ 35% 50% High Income 5-8 Parents $75K+ Learning

Pods No, but we're looking Middle Income 9-12 Parents 18% $35K to < $75K to form or join a 'pod'

Low Income < Urban $35K No, we're not planning to participate in a 'pod' 47%

Rural Suburban

S L I D E / 22 Small Town School parents that are interested or are participating in a ‘pod’ believe that they

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER are a good for socialization and will keep their child/children up to speed with POLLING PRESENTATION curriculum. School parents that oppose pods believe they are unsafe, expensive, and unnecessary for their children. Why are you participating in a ‘pod’? Why are you looking to form or join a ‘pod’? Why aren’t you planning to participate in a ‘pod’? WHY PARTICIPATING WHY LOOKING TO FORM WHY NOT PLANNING TO IN A ‘POD’ OR JOIN A ‘POD’ PARTICIPATE IN A ‘POD’

“I want my children to have “I don't feel comfortable with “To help my children keep “ “ more social interaction and “ my kids being around other up to date with their I need help facilitating their children during this time of curriculum.” Learning learning.” COVID-19.” Pods “It’s safe and helpful to help “It could be helpful for my “Can’t afford the cost, plus I “ my kids study within a tight “ “ son with the subjects he’s don’t think there a need for community of other struggling with.” a pod for my child.” children.”

“To keep my child “ “My kids are tired of being “ “ socializing with other home. I have to work and “High schoolers can work children during the can't teach, plus it’s good independently.” pandemic.” for their social skills.” S L I D E / 23 A majority of school parents are likely to seek out tutoring for their

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER child/children this school year. The same demo groups that are more likely to be POLLING PRESENTATION interested in learning ‘pods’ are also more likely to seek out tutoring.

This school year, to what extent are you more or less likely to seek out tutoring for your child/children – outside of regular school hours? School Parents % Very Likely Demographic % Total School Parents %

K-4 Parents 50% Very Likely 29% High Income 5-8 Parents $75K+

Tutoring Middle Income 9-12 Parents $35K to < $75K Somewhat Likely 28%

Not That Likely 15% Low Income < Urban $35K

Not At All Likely 17%

Rural Suburban

Don't know / S L I D E / 24 No opinion 11% Small Town EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

COVID-19 and Schooling

2 Opinions about K-12 Education Contents

Awareness and Favorability of 3 School Choice Policies

4 Survey Profile and Demographics

S L I D E / 25 School parents, especially parents of younger students, continue to be more EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER optimistic than non-parents about the direction of K-12 education. POLLING PRESENTATION

Do you feel things in K-12 Education are generally going in the right direction, or do you feel things have generally gotten off on the wrong track? % Right Direction

In your local school district In your state Nationwide

Total School Total School Total School Parents 54% Parents 48% Parents 47% Direction of Education K-4 Parents 57% K-4 Parents 51% K-4 Parents 53%

5-8 Parents 55% 5-8 Parents 50% 5-8 Parents 46%

9-12 Parents 49% 9-12 Parents 43% 9-12 Parents 39%

Non-Parents 30% Non-Parents 29% Non-Parents 23%

S L I D E / 26 American’s feeling about the direction of education were steady across all levels EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER compared to August. POLLING PRESENTATION

Do you feel things in K-12 Education are generally going in the right direction, or do you feel things have generally gotten off on the wrong track? All Adults % Right Direction

Local School District State Nationwide

50% 46% 45% 41% 44% 42% 39% 40% 38% 38% 37% 39% 38% Direction of 35% 38% 36% 35% 37% 35% 35% Education 33% 36% 30% 31% 33% 32% 31% 29% 30% 25% 28% 28%

20% 22%

15%

10%

0% S L I D E / 27 January February March April May June July August September Americans believe its most important that grades K-8 teach students core

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER academics and grades 9-12 teach students skills for future employment. POLLING PRESENTATION

What do you believe should be the main purpose of education during Kindergarten through 8th grade/High School? In your opinion, how important is it for students to learn... All Adults % Extremely Important

Grades K-8 Grades 9-12 Average % selected Extremely Important 43% Average % selected Extremely Important 49%

Purpose of Core academic subjects (55%) Skills for future employment (59%)

Education Become independent thinkers (47%) Core academic subjects (54%)

Socialization (47%) Become independent thinkers (53%)

How to be good citizens (46%) How to be good citizens (51%)

Skills for future employment (42%) Socialization (47%)

Values, moral character, religious virtues (41%) Values, moral character, religious virtues (45%)

To fix social problems (26%) To fix social problems (33%)

S L I D E / 28 Americans continue to set higher standards for High School education vs.

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER grades K-8. POLLING PRESENTATION

Purpose of 47% 46% 44% 44% 45% Education 40% 43% 42% 42% 43%

30%

20%

10%

0% S L I D E / 29 January February March April May June July August September EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER Adults believe it’s most important for grades K-8 to focus on core academics. POLLING PRESENTATION

What do you believe should be the main purpose of education during Kindergarten through 8th grade? In your opinion, how important is it for students to learn... All Adults

Extremely Very Important Somewhat Not That Not At All Don't Know/ No Important Important Important Important Opinion

Core academic subjects (e.g. reading, math, science) 55% 25% 11% 5% Purpose of How to interact with others (socialization) 48% 31% 12% 5% Education: K-8 To become independent thinkers 48% 30% 14% 5%

How to be good citizens 46% 29% 13% 4% 5%

Skills for future employment 42% 24% 18% 8% 5%

Values, moral character, or religious virtues 41% 27% 18% 4%4% 7%

To fix social problems 27% 24% 23% 9% 9% 7%

S L I D E / 30 EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER Americans believe grades 9-12 should focus on skills for future employment. POLLING PRESENTATION

What do you believe should be the main purpose of education during High School (9th through 12th grade)? In your opinion, how important is it for students to learn... All Adults

Extremely Very Important Somewhat Not That Not At All Don't Know/ No Important Important Important Important Opinion

Skills for future employment 59% 22% 10% 5%

Purpose of Core academic subjects (e.g. reading, math, 54% 25% 11% 5% Education: science) High School To become independent thinkers 53% 27% 9% 4% 5%

How to be good citizens 51% 27% 11% 4% 5%

How to interact with others (socialization) 47% 28% 14% 4% 5%

Values, moral character, or religious virtues 44% 24% 17% 5% 4% 5%

To fix social problems 34% 26% 21% 7% 7% 6%

S L I D E / 31 Americans are more likely to trust personal sources like teachers and parents to EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER make good decisions about education. POLLING PRESENTATION

How much, if at all, do you trust the following to make good decisions about education? All Adults A Lot Some Not That Much Not at All

Teachers 48% 36% 11% 5%

Trust in Parents 40% 42% 13% 4% Education Decision School Principals 32% 46% 15% 6% Makers School District Superintendents 27% 47% 19% 7%

U.S. Department of Education 26% 41% 21% 12%

State Department of Education 26% 45% 19% 9%

School Boards 24% 47% 21% 9%

S L I D E / 32 State Legislature and/or Governor 20% 42% 25% 14% School parents are also most likely to trust teachers, other parents and school EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER principals to make good decisions about education. POLLING PRESENTATION

How much, if at all, do you trust the following to make good decisions about education?

School Parents A Lot Some Not That Much Not at All

Teachers 51% 38% 8% 3%

Trust in Parents 49% 39% 10% 2%

Education School Principals 41% 45% 12% 3% Decision Makers School District Superintendents 36% 45% 14% 5%

State Department of Education 36% 45% 14% 5%

U.S. Department of Education 35% 45% 14% 6%

School Boards 34% 49% 13% 5%

State Legislature and/or S L I D E / 33 Governor 29% 44% 19% 7% Overall, parents are satisfied with their experiences across school types. EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER Parents are most satisfied with religious private schools. POLLING PRESENTATION

To what extent are you satisfied or dissatisfied with your child's/children's experiences with the following types of schooling? School Parents

Very Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Somewhat Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied Don't Know / No Opinion Total Satisfaction

Private School – Religious, 72% 21% 4% Satisfaction Parochial 93%

Public Charter School (often with 63% 25% 11% 1% 88% Schooling called 'Charter School') Private School – Non-religious, Secular 60% 27% 6% 87%

Home School 57% 29% 9% 86%

Public District School – Outside 83% of your school district 48% 35% 10%

Public District School – Inside 85% your school district 39% 46% 11%

S L I D E / 34 Americans, especially school parents, believe that government spending per EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER student is much lower than actual expenditures. POLLING PRESENTATION

How much do you think is spent per year on each student in your state’s public schools? Your estimate of the state average–to the nearest thousand dollars–will represent the combined expenditures of local, state, and federal governments.

Median estimate FY17 State Actuals Maximum $23,091 Mean $12,521 Minimum $7,179

$5,000 School Spending $4,000 $4,000 Estimate $3,000 $3,000

$2,000 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000

Adults Total School K-4 Parents 5-8 Parents 9-12 Parents Non-Parents Conservative Liberal Moderate S L I D E / 35 Parents FY17 State Actuals Source: National Center for Education Statistics = $1,000 When given actual spending information, Americans are much less likely (-20 points) to believe school spending per student is ‘too low’. EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

On average, [STATE] spends $____ per student attending public school Do you believe public school funding in [STATE] is: each year. Do you believe public school funding is:

Too Low About Right Too High

Without Information With Information

Adults 52% 30% 19% Adults 32% 45% 24% School Funding

Total School Total School Parents 44% 34% 23% Parents 24% 54% 22%

Non-Parents 54% 31% 15% Non-Parents 34% 42% 24%

S L I D E / 36

State Per Pupil Spending Source: National Center for Education Statistics The proportion of Americans that indicate spending is too low has been

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER declining since January but ticked up slightly in September. POLLING PRESENTATION

Do you believe public school funding in [STATE] is: On average, [STATE] spends $____ per student attending public school each year. Do you believe public school funding is: All Adults % Too Low Without Information With Information 80%

70% 64% School 60% 61% 60% 57% 54% 54% Funding 52% 50% 49% 50%

47% 40% 40% 40% 36% 30% 35% 31% 31% 32% 28% 20%

10%

0% S L I D E / 37 January February March April May June July August September Americans believe that their state’s teachers make less than even the lowest

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER state average. POLLING PRESENTATION

How much do you think is the average teacher salary in your state’s public schools?

Median estimate FY17 State Actuals Maximum $83,585 Mean $57,282 Minimum $43,107 Teacher $40,000 $39,500 Salary $37,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $32,000 Estimate $30,000

Adults Total School K-4 Parents 5-8 Parents 9-12 Parents Non-Parents Conservative Liberal Moderate Parents S L I D E / 38 FY17 State Actuals Source: National Center for Education Statistics = $10,000 Americans are less likely (-16 points) to say teacher salaries should increase

9a EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER when given a publicly reported statistic. School parents (a majority) are more POLLING PRESENTATION likely than non-parents to believe teacher salaries should increase. On average, public school teachers in [STATE] are paid an annual Do you think that public school teacher salaries salary of $____. Do you think that public school teacher salaries in your state should: should:

Increase Stay About the Same Decrease

Without Information With Information

Adults 64% 27% 10% Adults 48% 38% 14% Teacher Salaries

Total School Total School Parents 66% 25% 9% Parents 57% 31% 12%

Non-Parents 65% 28% 8% Non-Parents 44% 43% 13%

S L I D E / 39

State Teacher Salary Source: National Center for Education Statistics The gap between those that think teacher’s salaries should increase with and EC19a EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION without information has remained steady since May.

Do you think that public school teacher salaries in your state should: On average, public school teachers in [STATE] are paid an annual salary of $____. Do you think that public school teacher salaries should: All Adults % Increase Without Information With Information 90%

80% 74% 70% 70% 68% Teacher 66% 70% 64% 64% 67% Salaries 60%

50% 55% 50% 51% 47% 48% 40% 45%

30%

20%

10%

0% S L I D E / 40 February March April May June July August School parents are more likely to choose home school when cost and a EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION transportation are not factors. If given the option, and neither financial costs nor transportation were If given the option, what type of school would you select in order to factors, what type of school would you select in order to obtain the best obtain the best education for your child? education for your child? Charter School Private School Regular Public School Home School Don’t Know/No (Religious, Parochial + (Inside + Outside School (or Public Charter Opinion Non-Religious) District) School) Preference without cost & Preference transportation factors

Adults 30% 32% 12%11% 15% Adults 32% 32% 12%8% 16% Preferred Schooling Total School Parents 35% 40% 8%10%7% Total School Parents 30% 39% 16% 9% Type K-4 Parents 37% 38% 9%10% K-4 Parents 31% 42% 12% 9%7%

5-8 Parents 33% 46% 12% 5-8 Parents 27% 36% 19% 9%9%

9-12 Parents 33% 37% 8%10%12% 9-12 Parents 25% 44% 18% 9%

Non-Parents 22% Non-Parents 29% 27% 14% 9% 21% 30% 28% 11%8% S L I D E / 41 The percentage of parents saying the amount of time spent on testing has

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER dropped 14 points since June. POLLING PRESENTATION

All public schools and most private schools give their students standardized tests during the school year. When thinking about students preparing for and taking these tests, in general, do you believe the amount of time spent on standardized testing in American schools is: School Parents Too Low About Right Too High 60%

50%

42% 44% 43% Standardized 40% 40% 39% 39% Testing 40% 37% 39% 37% 37% 34% 35% 35% 35% 30% 31% 29% 28%

20% 21% 20% 19% 17% 17% 14% 15% 15% 15% 10%

0% S L I D E / 42 January February March April May June July August September EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

COVID-19 and Schooling

2 Opinions about K-12 Education Contents

Awareness and Favorability of 3 School Choice Policies

4 Survey Profile and Demographics

S L I D E / 43 All demographics experience a lift in support for charter schools once given a

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER description. POLLING PRESENTATION

Based on what you know, or have heard from others… In general, what is your opinion of 'charter schools' in K–12 education? Charter schools are public schools that have more control over their own budget, staff, and curriculum, and are exempt from many existing public school regulations. In general, what is your opinion of public charter schools?

Total Support (Strongly Support + Somewhat Support) Without Description With Description

71% 70% 69% 68% 68% Charter 64% 63% 62% 63% 62% 63% 57% School 55% 56% 53% Favorability 51% 44% 45%

Adults Total School K-4 Parents 5-8 Parents 9-12 Parents Non-Parents Republican Democrat Independent S L I D E / 44 Parents There has been a decline in Adults that ‘Somewhat Support’ Charter Schools since the beginning of 2020. There has also been a slight increase in Adults that EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION ‘Strongly Support’ Charter Schools.

Charter schools are public schools that have more control over their own budget, staff, and curriculum, and are exempt from many existing public school regulations. In general, what is your opinion of public charter schools? All Adults Strongly Oppose Somewhat Oppose Somewhat Support Strongly Support 50% 45% 43% 45% 42% 41% 41% 41% 39% 39% Charter 40% 37% School 35% Favorability 30% 24% 24% 23% 25% 22% 22% 22% 22% 19% 19% 20% 14% 14% 13% 13% 13% 15% 12% 12% 11% 11% 10%

8% 8% 8% 5% 7% 7% 6% 6% 6% 6% 0% S L I D E / 45 January February March April May June July August September

Note: Don’t know/no opinion responses are not shown. Similarly, fewer School Parent ‘Somewhat Support’ Charter Schools but there has been a slight increase in School Parents that ‘Strongly Support’ Charter EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION Schools.

Charter schools are public schools that have more control over their own budget, staff, and curriculum, and are exempt from many existing public school regulations. In general, what is your opinion of public charter schools? School Parents Strongly Oppose Somewhat Oppose Somewhat Support Strongly Support 50% 45% 44% 45% 43% 43% 41% 40% 39% 39% 40% Charter 36% School 35% 33% Favorability 30% 32% 30% 30% 29% 28% 25% 27% 25% 24% 20%

15% 12% 11% 11% 11% 11% 10% 10% 10% 9% 10% 9% 8% 8% 8% 5% 7% 7% 6% 5% 5% 0% S L I D E / 46 January February March April May June July August September

Note: Don’t know/no opinion responses are not shown. Respondents are more supportive of school vouchers when given a description

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER – especially among non-parents and Independents. POLLING PRESENTATION Based on what you know, or have heard from others… In general, what is your opinion of 'school vouchers' in K–12 education? A school voucher system allows parents the option of sending their child to the school of their choice, whether that school is public or private, including both religious and non-religious schools. If this policy were adopted, tax dollars currently allocated to a school district would be allocated to parents in the form of a 'school voucher' to pay partial or full tuition for the child’s school. In general, what is your opinion of school voucher systems?

Total Support (Strongly Support + Somewhat Support) Without Description With Description

74% 71% 70% 70% School 66% 61% 61% 59% 59% Voucher 57% 56% 57% 56% Favorability 51% 45% 45% 41% 39%

Adults Total School K-4 Parents 5-8 Parents 9-12 Parents Non-Parents Republican Democrat Independent S L I D E / 47 Parents Slightly more Americans ‘Strongly Support’ School Vouchers in September than

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER did in January. POLLING PRESENTATION

A school voucher system allows parents the option of sending their child to the school of their choice, whether that school is public or private, including both religious and non-religious schools. If this policy were adopted, tax dollars currently allocated to a school district would be allocated to parents in the form of a 'school voucher' to pay partial or full tuition for the child’s school. In general, what is your opinion of school voucher systems? All Adults Strongly Oppose Somewhat Oppose Somewhat Support Strongly Support 45%

40% 35% 35% 34% 34% 34% 34% 34% 35% School 32% 32%

Voucher 30% 29% 29% Favorability 28% 25% 27% 27% 27% 26% 24% 24% 20%

14% 14% 15% 13% 13% 13% 12% 12% 11% 11% 13% 10% 12% 11% 11% 11% 11% 10% 10% 10% 5%

0% S L I D E / 48 January February March April May June July August September

Note: Don’t know/no opinion responses are not shown. The number of School Parents that ‘Strongly Support’ School Vouchers

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER declined slightly since last month. POLLING PRESENTATION

A school voucher system allows parents the option of sending their child to the school of their choice, whether that school is public or private, including both religious and non-religious schools. If this policy were adopted, tax dollars currently allocated to a school district would be allocated to parents in the form of a 'school voucher' to pay partial or full tuition for the child’s school. In general, what is your opinion of school voucher systems? School Parents Strongly Oppose Somewhat Oppose Somewhat Support Strongly Support 45% 41% 39% 39% 40% 36% 38% 34% School 35% 33% 33% 33% 35% 35% 34% 33% Voucher 30% 32% 32% 30% Favorability 28% 25% 27%

20%

14% 14% 15% 12% 12% 12% 11% 11% 10% 10% 10% 11% 11% 11% 10% 10% 9% 9% 8% 8% 5%

0% S L I D E / 49 January February March April May June July August September

Note: Don’t know/no opinion responses are not shown. ESA support rises dramatically across demographics once respondents are EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER given information. POLLING PRESENTATION Based on what you know, or have heard from others… In general, what is your opinion of 'education savings accounts' in K–12 education? An "education savings account" in K–12 education – often called an ESA – establishes for parents a government-authorized savings account with restricted, but multiple uses for educational purposes. Parents can then use these funds to pay for: school tuition; tutoring; online education programs; therapies for students with special needs; textbooks or other instructional materials; or save for future college expenses. In general, what is your opinion of an ESA system?

Total Support (Strongly Support + Somewhat Support) Without Description With Description

Education 77% 73% 73% 72% 72% 68% Savings 66% 63% 63% 61% Accounts 57% 54% 54% Favorability 48% 48% 45% 41% 40%

Adults Total School K-4 Parents 5-8 Parents 9-12 Parents Non-Parents Republican Democrat Independent S L I D E / 50 Parents Support and opposition of Education Savings Accounts remained the same

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER among Americans compared to last month. POLLING PRESENTATION An "education savings account" in K–12 education – often called an ESA – establishes for parents a government-authorized savings account with restricted, but multiple uses for educational purposes. Parents can then use these funds to pay for: school tuition; tutoring; online education programs; therapies for students with special needs; textbooks or other instructional materials; or save for future college expenses. In general, what is your opinion of an ESA system? All Adults Strongly Oppose Somewhat Oppose Somewhat Support Strongly Support 45% 40% 39% 39% 40% 38% 38% 37% 37% 36% Education 34% Savings 35% 30% 32% 31% 31% Account 30% 30% 29% 29% 29% 29% Favorability 25%

20%

15%

10% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 7% 7%

5% 6% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 4% 3% 0% S L I D E / 51 January February March April May June July August September

Note: Don’t know/no opinion responses are not shown. Among School Parents, support and opposition for Education Savings

EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER Accounts has been steady since August. POLLING PRESENTATION An "education savings account" in K–12 education – often called an ESA – establishes for parents a government-authorized savings account with restricted, but multiple uses for educational purposes. Parents can then use these funds to pay for: school tuition; tutoring; online education programs; therapies for students with special needs; textbooks or other instructional materials; or save for future college expenses. In general, what is your opinion of an ESA system? School Parents Strongly Oppose Somewhat Oppose Somewhat Support Strongly Support 45% 43% 42% 40% 40% 38% 37% 37% 37% 36% Education 35% 35% 37% 36% 36% 36% 36% 36% Savings 34% 33% 33% Account 30% Favorability 25%

20%

15%

10% 8% 8% 8% 8% 7% 7% 7% 6% 8% 5% 7% 7% 7% 7% 2% 5% 5% 4% 3% 0% S L I D E / 52 January February March April May June July August September

Note: Don’t know/no opinion responses are not shown. EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

COVID-19 and Schooling

2 Opinions about K-12 Education Contents

Awareness and Favorability of 3 School Choice Policies

4 Survey Profile and Demographics

S L I D E / 53 EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION Survey Profile, 1

Dates September 11-17, 2020

Survey Data Collection & Quality Control Morning Consult

Survey Sponsor EdChoice

Population General Population (Adults, Age 18+) Methodology Sampling Frame National sample of adults (age 18+) living in the United States, including the District of Columbia, with an oversample of school parents

Sampling Method Non-Probability, Stratified (based on Age, Gender)

Mode Online Survey

Language English

S L I D E / 54 EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION Survey Profile, 2

Survey Time Median = 10.90 minutes

Sample Size Total, N = 2,200 Gen Pop Adults

Oversampling N=700 School Parents

Quotas Age, Gender

Weighting Age, Race, Ethnicity, Gender, Education, Census Region Methodology Measure of Precision (adjusted for weighting) ± 2.25 percentage points

Participation Rate 16.0%

Methods Page https://edchoice.morningconsultintelligence.com/methodology/

Project Contact Paul DiPerna, paul@edchoice.org

S L I D E / 55 EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION Unweighted Unweighted Demographics Demographics (N = ) (N = )

Hispanic 271 Total School Parents 1261 White 1647 K-4 Parents 756 Non-Hispanic White 1510 5-8 Parents 529 Black 326 9-12 Parents 433 Non-Parents 806 Other 94 Liberal 647 Generation Z 228 Moderate 595 Demographic Millennial 661 Conservative 744 Generation X 607 Base Sizes Democrat 824 Boomers 623 Independent 521 Male 990 Republican 703 Female 1210 Urban 647 < College 1375 Suburban 926 College + 825 Small Town 257 Northeast 405 Rural 370 Midwest 485 Low Income <$35K 914 South 903 Middle Income $35K to <$75K 698 West 407 High Income $75K+ 588 S L I D E / 56 EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION Demographics Unweighted Weighted Target (%) Hispanic 12% 16% 16% White 75% 78% 78% Non-Hispanic White 69% n/a n/a Black 15% 12% 12% Other 4% 9% 9% Age: 18-34 31% 30% 30% Demographic Age: 35-44 18% 16% 16% Base Sizes Age: 45-64 33% 34% 34% and Weights Age: 65+ 18% 20% 20% Male 45% 48% 48% Female 55% 52% 52% < College 63% 69% 69% College + 38% 31% 31% Northeast 18% 18% 18% Midwest 22% 21% 21% South 41% 37% 37% West 19% 24% 24% S L I D E / 57 EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

Total School Parents Have at least one child enrolled in grades K-12

School Charter School Parents Have at least one child enrolled in a charter school Parent Definitions

District/Public School Parents Have at least one child enrolled in a district/public school

Private School Parents Have at least one child enrolled in a private school

S L I D E / 58 Note: Parent groups are not necessarily exclusive, there are cases where a parent could have children enrolled in different school types. EDCHOICE SEPTEMBER POLLING PRESENTATION

39%

36%

School Parents

10% 10%

District School Parents Private School Parents Charter School Parents Home School Parents S L I D E / 59 (N = 496) (N = 450) (N=123) (N = 127)